FORGET the Ironman Competition - one Penwortham resident is to take up Hardy's Triple Challenge.

Paul Hardman will perform a 12,000ft tandem parachute jump, 300ft bungee jump and the London Marathon - in the space of three days.

He will run the marathon as Supergirl and he hopes, if it is possible, to perform his bungee jump over the Thames dressed as Deepdale Duck. Paul, an airman in the 56R Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby, is aiming to raise as much money as he can for leukaemia charities with his challenge.

He said: "I've always had the attitude of do it now while you're young and still can.

"I have four ambitions - to get a ride in a jet fighter, to run the London Marathon, do a bungee jump and attempt a parachute jump.

"I did the first one last year in Cyprus so I thought why not do all of the others at once!"

Paul, has a special motive for raising money for leukaemia charities. He added: "The reason behind it is an 11-year-old girl called Amie.

"I've been close friends with their mother and half-sister since school and, despite not knowing Amie when she had leukaemia, I have grown to admire her character and fighting qualities.

She has been in remission for five years now and suffered from speech difficulties when I first came to know her.

"She also has some learning difficulties and attends a special school."

The money raised by Paul will be split into three. Charity Children with Leukaemia will be the main beneficiary and the rest of the funds will be shared between the Cartmell fund for the Christie in Manchester and Amie's parents, so that they can take her on the holiday of a lifetime.

The British Sky Sports Centre in Bridlington has offered to cover the cost of the parachute jump, including filming it, and the UK Bungee Club has allowed Paul to jump for no fee.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Paul on his mammoth task should contact Alison Hardman on (01772) 511193.

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